Essential Cambodia and Vietnam Tour 12 Days

Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival

After touching down in Cambodia's capital, take a city tour by cyclo to learn about the country's history and culture. Visit the historic displays at the National Museum and the glittering buildings of the Royal Palace before heading to Wat Phnom for sunset views of the city.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B)

A short flight today takes you to Siem Reap, the home of the Temples of Angkor. Set off this afternoon for a tuk tuk ride to Angkor Thom. Discover an ancient city of incredible proportions- perfectly planned and filled with impressive temples.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap (B)

Begin this morning with a tour of the 'small circuit' temples. Your guide will introduce you to the great Khmer ancient civilization as you visit ruins such as Ta Phrom and Preah Khan. This afternoon, be amazed at the grandeur and beauty of Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

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Day 4: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Enjoy a morning at your leisure- to visit more temples, enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake or relax in a chic town-center café. Fly to Vietnam and the dynamic southern city of Ho Chi Minh City. Also referred to as Saigon, this exciting city is a great place to begin your Vietnam journey.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Scratch the surface of Ho Chi Minh City with a full day tour of the cultural sites and hidden gems. This morning takes you to Chinatown and Binh Tay market, dynamic energetic sides of the city. After lunch delve in to the history of the country with visits to the War Remnants Museum, Presidential Palace and buildings of old colonial Saigon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Leave the city behind for a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Discover the most fertile region of Vietnam as you take boat journeys through some of the Delta's thousands of waterways, venturing to coconut plantations and local villages. After a horse cart ride through quiet rural laneways, return to Ho Chi Minh City for the evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang - Hoi An (B, L)

This morning fly to the central Vietnamese town of Danang and continue by road to Hoi An. A walking tour introduces you to the rich blend of cultures that influence modern Hoi An's architecture and culture. Then take a cruise along the Thu Bon River to discover artisan villages making items such as pottery and ships.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An - Hue (B)

Travel north along the scenic coast and over Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former imperial capital. Stop en route at the Cham Museum in Danang. This afternoon a guided tour takes to the Imperial Citadel where the influence and power of the once-mighty Nguyen dynasty is revealed, followed by a cyclo ride through the leafy side streets of Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

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Day 9: Hue - Hanoi (B)

This morning begins with a visit to Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by an excursion to the countryside to see the enigmatic tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dine. After lunch, an afternoon flight takes you to the capital city, Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi (B)

Today's tour of Hanoi provides an in-depth look in to the history and culture of the city. Visit the house and mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the country's oldest university- the Temple of Literature- and the lakeside Tran Quoc Pagoda. A chauffered ride though the city's Old Quarter is an invigorating way to explore the dozens of small streets and lively shopfronts in this area before ending this afternoon at one of the dozens of museums in the area.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Board a traditional wooden junk or The Emeraude, a steamship replica, for an overnight cruise. As the boat weaves its way past limestone karsts and turquoise waters, enjoy feasting on freshly-caught seafood and stop to swim, kayak or explore hidden caves.

Overnight onboard in Halong Bay.

Day 12: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Departure (B, L)

Enjoy brunch on board as the boat weaves its way back to the harbor and continue by road back to Hanoi. Depending on your flight time, there is an option to stop at a small village for a traditional performance of water puppetry. Upon reaching Hanoi, this afternoon is free for last minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.